Australia recognises heroes in bravery awards

Police officers and civilians involved in a fatal siege near Bendigo in 1999 are among a group of Australians receiving bravery awards today.

In the Bendigo siege, four officers were injured while trying to detain a man who later shot himself.

Kangaroo Flat resident Harry Stirton ran from the safety of his home to protect an injured policeman lying on the ground.

He camouflaged the detective and ran to call other police.

"I suppose it could have easily been me with a bullet in the head for my trouble," he said.

Also being awarded today are Hendrikus and Mary-Ann Beckmans, a father and daughter team which helped the detectives and three police officers who were exposed to gunfire while trying to defuse the 19-hour siege.

In other awards Western Australian Joseph Dignan rescued a neighbour from a dog attack and Sydney resident Orisi Cavuilati who punched an armed bank robber to the ground.

Townsville's Ferdinand Bast gave the ultimate sacrifice when he was shot dead while trying to stop a robbery almost four years ago.